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SOUTH AFRICAN FILMS
Listed Alphabetically
BEAT THE DRUM **** Young Musa is orphaned after a mysterious illness strikes his village in KwaZulu Natal. To help his grandmother, Musa sets out for Johannesburg with his father's last gift, a tribal drum, in search of work and his uncle. The journey confronts him with the stark realities of urban life, but his indomitable spirit never wavers; he returns with a truth and understanding his elders have failed to grasp. GO BEHIND THE SCENES ;VISIT THE WEBSITE;READ AN INTERVIEW WITH WRITER-PRODUCER DAVID MCBRAYER;READ AN INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR DAVID HICKSON
DISCREET **** Monique, a high class escort, has always been able to give her clients exactly what they want, while clean cut Thomas has always been exactly what everyone has expected. But tonight Thomas' curiosity is going to get the better of him while demanding of Monique the one thing she's reluctant to offer… Honesty, costs more. Sometimes the greatest journey is the distance between two people. For Monique, the prostitute, and Thomas, the Christian, that journey begins tonight. Discreet explores how well two people from complete opposite sides of the moral spectrum can really get to know one another in 80 minutes of real time.
How honest can two complete strangers really be with one another, and what would the effect of that honesty be on their lives? In a society that promotes sexual promiscuity and where true honesty is a rare commodity, Monique and Thomas take the audience on a funny, poignant and brutal journey of self-examination. Read more as well as an interview with writer-director Joshua Rous. Bonus Features: Audio commentary by the director and actors;  a visit on the set
DUMA *** Filmed in Southern Africa, this family adventure is based on a true story, telling of a 12-year-old boy who decides to return the cheetah he raised from a cub to the wild. It was directed by Carroll Ballard who also directed The Black Stallion and Fly Away Home, and is based on Carol Cawthra Hopcraft's book 'How I Was With Dooms'. Features: Extended scenes and theatrical trailer. Go behind the scenes of Duma
E'LOLLIPOP ***  The story of two inseparable South African children is now available on DVD. It tells the story of Tsepo (Muntu Ndebele) and his orphaned friend (Norman Knox) who meet in the Lesotho mountains and focuses on the friendship that develops between the two boys and how this encounter changes the world around them. Features: Featurette 'The Story Behind the Classic', TV Spots and Stills.
THE FLYER *** A refreshing and charming South African film that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit. The uplifting story of a young coloured kid saved from the mean streets of Cape Town by an old trapeze great, and indoctrinated into a gravity-defying world - trapeze flying! Go behind the scenes
GUMS AND NOSES *** When a colleague has a nervous breakdown, aimless James is unwittingly launched into the cutthroat, fickle, false and highly pressured career as an advertising creative. Desperately unsure and insecure, James is terrified of his new boss, Mike, who constantly challenges him to present unique, "award winning" ideas. Paralysed by fear, James' cannot deliver and so he experiments with drugs. When the inspiration begins to flood through him his boss is pleased, his clients are pleased and his bank manager is ecstatic. Hooked on the buzz of success, James immerses himself deeper and deeper into the drug underworld, until reality, literally, knocks on his door. Gums and Noses is a wacky, sassy, sexy, and invigorating joy ride through the yuppie world of advertising. Written and directed by Craig Freimond, starring: Anthony Coleman, Lionel Newton, Tony Kgogore, Faye Peters, Sean Taylor
HANSIE (Two Disc Collector's Edition)  ***  This finely crafted film and well told story delivers what it promises, with a first rate performance from Frank Rautenbach in the title role.   The news of Hansie Cronjé's involvement with Indian bookmakers and his resulting public confession rocked the international sporting community. An unprecedented rise to glory was followed by the most horrific fall. A tarnished Hansie explores the very human drama of a man who, after losing everything he has worked for, begins the painstaking journey back to choosing "life". Bonus Features: The first disc includes the feature film as well 60 minutes features on the making of the film; Disc 2 includes 'Our Hansie', a 240 minutes documentary featuring never-before-scene interviews with more than 65 people who knew Hansie Cronje; as well as deleted scenes and bloopers. Go behind the scenes  Read interview with Frank Rautenbach
IZULU LAMI/ MY SECRET SKY *** Ten-year-old Thembi and her eight-year-old brother, Khwezi, are left alone in their rural homestead when their mother dies. All they have to remember Mama is a grass mat she wove, which she aimed to enter in a craft competition. Her dream, inspired by a visit to their village by a white priest from the city, was for The mat to win a prize that could support her children. So Thembi decides to take the mat to the competition Herself, and Khwezi reluctantly goes with her. When the children arrive in the city they are spotted by a street-wise 12-year-old, Chili-Bite, and his gang. He offers them a place to sleep on the street and tells her of a friend who knows the priest. The Bonus features include a great behind the scenes featurette.   Read more Read interview with director and Co-writer: Madoda Ncayiyana Read interview with co-writer: Julie Frederikse
MAMA JACK  *** Besides the hilarious moments in this entertaining romp that will definitely satisfy the appetite of Schuster fans,  it provides some food for thought, particularly concerning issues dealing with identity and our South African heritage. Jack Theron is an ordinary guy working on a film set as a grip. However, his movie director boss despises him and, in a bid to get rid of Jack, spikes his drink at a glamorous function, This results in Jack unwittingly offending all the attending dignitaries, ruining the function and getting himself on the wrong side of the law. Read more
MAX AND MONA ****  At last! An absolutely brilliant South African film that is refreshing and great fun and not steeped in political debates.  It is also incredibly funny with a great script and superb performances. Make sure to not miss it at any cost. Imagine a world where the showering of tears to calm the soul is no different from the rain that nurtures the soil. MAX AND MONA is a coal black comedy about a village boy (MAX BUA) with extraordinary mourning skills, who journeys to a daunting city to become a "white doctor". But his riff-raff uncle, NORMAN; a "RAZOR" sharp gangster, a transvestite mortician, a beautiful girl; and a sacred sacrificial goat, ensure that he receives a baptism of fire. Six funerals later MAX finally comes to grips with the ever-turbulent Johannesburg.  The features include  a documentary on the making of the film, featuring interviews with the cast. Go behind the scenes
STORY OF AN AFRICAN FARM *** Often hailed as the Bible of contemporary feminists and a cause celebre when it appeared in London, "The Story of an African Farm" transformed the shape and course of the late-Victorian novel. From the haunting plains of South Africa's high Karoo, Schreiner boldly addressed her society's greatest fears - the loss of faith, the dissolution of marriage, and women's social and political independence. Writer / producer Bonnie Rodini spent over a decade getting The Story of an African Farm on the go. The features include a behind the scenes documentary; audio commentary by director David Lister Go behind the scenes
THEMBA - A BOY CALLED HOPE ****  One of the best films to emerge out of South Africa since the release of Beat The Drum. This powerful and well-crafted African story from South African writer-director Stefanie Sycholt offers an emotional journey into the heart and soul of an ordinary impoverished black boy, whose extraordinary courage and dignity changes the world he conquers with passion and unwavering determination. Featuring great performances from the entire cast, it is a film you will take home with you. It is also testament to the beautiful game of football and the South African spirit, where many successful players begin their lives and careers in dusty, poverty stricken townships and end up on the playing fields of some of the biggest clubs in the world. Beautifully set and shot in Port St John in the Eastern Cape and Masiphumelele township, south of Cape Town, the film is directed by Stefanie Sycholt (Malunde) who also adapted the screenplay from Lutz van Dijk's book Crossing the Line. The bonus features include an interview with Stefanie Sycholt   Go behind the scenes  Read an interview with writer-director Stefanie Sycholt
TRIOMF ***** After six years of hard slogging, acclaimed Zimbabwean film director and novelist Michael Raeburn's adaptation of Marlene van Niekerk's award-winning novel Triomf is here. As in the novel, the film will focus on the lives of the poor white Benade family - Pop, Mol, Treppie and Lambert - as South Africa lurches towards a different future than the one promised by the Afrikaner nationalists.
"It's a very bleak and disturbing story," says the director, "but filled with moments of hilarious madness. It reveals a side of South African life that has never before been captured on screen before. The dramatic tension and setting - poor people on the edge - echoes the work of Tennessee Williams and Sam Shepherd." Read more
TSOTSI ***** (Two disc Edition) Written and directed by Gavin Hood, and based on the novel by Athol Fugard, marks the first South African film to win an Oscar for Best Foreign Film. It traces the last six days in the lonely, violent life of a ruthless, young gang leader, who gradually rediscovers his humanity, dignity and capacity to love through having to take care of a baby accidentally kidnapped during a car hijacking.  Go behind the scenes Features: A making-of featurette; features on 'The Road to the Oscars' and 'Homecoming, music videos, a photo gallery and alternate ending. There's also Gavin Hood's short film The Storekeeper as well as the Oscar-winning student film Elani.
WHITE LION **** The real Lion King makes his bow on the big screen from the heart of South Africa. The lions of The Kingdom of the White Lion who star in the film, in particular Thor who performs most of the principal action, all deserve Oscars for their moving performances. The White Lion is not animated, animatronics, talking or singing lions, but the real thing, dominating the action with their mighty roars.  It is refreshing to watch a film where the animals are real and performing without using dubbed voices to express their thoughts. In the tradition of 'Born Free' comes this superb treat for anyone who has ever had a close bond with animals.  Magnificently narrated by John Kani, who plays the storyteller, It follows the life of a white lion, Letsatsi, who is born into a tawny pride in the wilds of Africa. Bonus Features: Profile on Kevin Richardson and making of featurette.  Go behind the scenes of White Lion   Read an interview with Lion Whisperer Kevin Richardson   Read an interview with screenwriter Janet van Eeden
YESTERDAY **** "I was haunted by the images of suffering and I felt that I needed to make a film about this," says Roodt. "At the same time, I want to avoid any kind of messaging. I just wanted to tell a very simple story, and make it completely open-ended. I wanted to put it out there and let it be a talking point." Features: A behind-the-scenes featurette. Go behind the scenes

SOUTH AFRICAN FILM (AFRIKAANS)
BAKGAT *** The first Afrikaans feature film that were primarily produced for a youth market. The movie was released countrywide in cinemas in 2008. Bakgat is a contemporary Afrikaans teen movie about the lives and times of a group of students in high school. Schoolboy rugby is used as a backdrop and instigator for comedy, drama and romance. The movie is set in the present day.
HOND SE DINGES *** Enjoyable fun for anyone needing to escape and unwind. A unresolved murder. A lost diamond. A radio interview that digs up a few real and imagined skeletons. A guilty conscience. This reignites the conflict between the De Langes and Coetsees. It gets out of hand. And that over dinges diamonds women. or both. In Afrikaans with English subtitles. Interviews: Read an interview with producer-writer-director Johan Heyns and screenwriter Johann Potgieter
JAKHALSDANS **** Jakhalsdans stars popular local singers Theuns Jordaan and Elizma Theron in the lead roles, and boasts a screenplay written by the widely admired Afrikaans crime novelist Deon Meyer, with direction by award-winning Darrell James Roodt. The film includes a brand new track by Theuns Jordaan, who has taken the South African music scene by storm with his interpretation of old Afrikaans songs and his own original numbers, both of which have made him a hit with fans.  Read more  Read more about Jakhalsdans and an interview with Deon Meyer
LIEFLING, DIE MOVIE  *****   An absolute joy! A refreshing and fun trip down memory lane, taking us on a nostalgic journey filled with romance and an assortment of colourful characters that will have you laughing and crying. Ideal escapism for anyone with a zest for life (thanks to the meticulous English subtitles).   Director Brian Webber whips his gorgeous cast into top shape; the energetic ensemble delivers  24 Afrikaans songs, which have been adapted and finely honed by Johan Heystek and choreographer Raymond Theart.
From the beautifully captured opening scene with Marlouise Venter delivering a stunning rendition of Koos du Plessis' 'Kinders van die Wind', you know that you are in for an extraordinary cinematic experience.  Other musical highlights include Marlee van der Merwe performing a hilarious 'Jan Asseblief Tog Squeeze My' routine; Lika Berning & Sonja Herholdt (as mother and daughter) perform two impressive duets: 'Mamma ek wil 'n man hê' and 'Ek verlang na jou' (what would a film with Sonja Herholdt be without this song);  Lisa Berning shines with her delivery of 'Ek Lewe' and 'As Almal Ver Is'; Sonja Herholdt will win you over with 'Die Mense Wat Ek Liefhet'; Bobby van Jaarsveld impresses with his energetic 'Neem my op vlerke' and potent 'Spieëltjie' (his own composition); and Paul du Toit/ Marlee van der Merwe add to the romance with 'Hoe ek Voel'. Then, off course, the film would not be the same without 'Liefling' (tenor Gé Korsten's evergreen and hugely popular song. Bonus Features: Behind the scenes, interviews, Bobby van Jaarsveld's music video, and selection of songs…  Read more about Liefling
OUMA SE SLIM KIND *****The first Afrikaans language feature film for cinema release since Paljas. Told by young Afrikaans voices this landmark production aims to invigorate the South African Afrikaans film industry.  Originally a short film, Ouma Se Slim Kind, was well received at the Toronto, Africa in picture, Chicago, Manchester and several other European film festivals. It tells the triumphant story of a young mentally handicapped boy who transforms the fabric of his society, and emerges as a heroic icon. The story plays off in the 1940's and unfolds against the often harsh, yet strikingly beautiful rural South African landscape. The features include a music video and behind the scenes interviews. Read more
RAINBOW SKELLUMS Security guards, pizza delivery men, motorists, a bride, restaurant owners, taxi passengers, businessmen and Kurt Darren 'bites the dust'' in the new candid camera movie Rainbow Skellums.  Well known movie producer Andre Scholtz and his experienced team travelled throughout South Africa to catch a few "victims". TV-cameras were cleverely installed in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Heidelberg, Ventersdorp, Strand, Cape Town, Eersterivier and Gordon's Bay while the three "skellums"", Kevin Ehrenreich, Alexa Strachan and Louw Venter tried to catch their victims. The "victims" (people on the street) which were caught off guard, are the actual actors in this hilarious candid camera movie. Read more

SOUTH AFRICAN STORIES
A WORLD UNSEEN **** Beautifully capturing South Africa in the 50s, this heartfelt drama will appeal to those looking for a quiet romance with a big heart. It also challenges perceptions about the right to love freely, and the right to be free in an oppressed society. 
In 1950's South Africa, apartheid is just beginning. Free-spirited Amina (Sheetal Sheth) has broken all the rules of her own conventional Indian community, and the new apartheid-led government, by running a café with Jacob, her 'colored' business partner.
When she meets Miriam (Lisa Ray), a young traditional wife and mother, their unexpected attraction pushes Miriam to question the rules that bind her. As Amina helps Miriam's sister-in-law to hide from the police, a chain of events is set in motion that changes both women forever.
From overcoming oppression to finding personal freedom, from the hardships of a loveless marriage to the hesitant joy of an unexpected love affair, "The World Unseen" transports the viewer to a vibrant, colorful world that is universal in its themes. 
Shamim Sarif has brought to the screen the motion picture adaptation of her critically acclaimed and award winning debut novel, "The World Unseen." The human drama is inspired by stories of her grandmother's life in South Africa during the 1950's when the root of Apartheid began its treacherous grip on the country, leaving individuals to deal with a long fight for independence and identity.   Read more Read interview with writer-director Shamim Sharif

SERIES
AMALIA *** (Complete First Season)
This 13 episodes Afrikaans series was originally televised on KykNet. Scripted by Chris Barnard and directed by his wife Katinka Heyns, it stars Marius Weyers as a small town detective who needs to solve the suicide or murder of a well-known novelist. Filled with intrigue, romance and colourful characters. It offers ideal entertainment for the whole family. The series is in Afrikaans with English subtitles. Bonus features include a making- of- featurette
AMALIA 2 *** The complete second series- This second season features more mystery, intrigue, romance and comedy, with Marius Weyers as the policeman who tries to unravel the unanswered questions raised in season one. It also includes cabaret inserts performed by Ilse Roos,. A bonus for English viewers is that the series is subtitled.
KNOWN GODS **** The complete series Two things will occur when viewing this captivating series: you will respect the superior quality of local television series; and secondly, you will appreciate good wines. This local series has it all: set in the wine region, it involves four wine families and tied together by a murder mystery; featuring the crop of South African performers led by Antoinette Kellerman. This series includes all  26-episodes that will keep you involved until the last second.

STAGE/ LIVE PERFORMANCE
DISTRICT SIX *****This ground-breaking South African musical from David Kramer and Taliep Petersen opened at the Baxter Theatre in 1987 and was originally seen by over 350 000 people. Fifteen years later (in 2002) Jody Abrahams and Loukman Adams were cast in the leads in a reworked production that was filmed live for DVD after a record breaking 7 month run in Cape Town.
MY WêRELD ***** (Two Disc Edition) Fans of Casper de Vries will delight in this absolute hilarious two disc set, featuring the recording of the show at the Sand du Plessis in November last year. For those who are not familiar with Casper's unique sense of humour, will undoubtedly understand why he is indeed one of the funniest satirists in the world. His crazy probing into the invasion of Aliens and a zany de-construction and probing of the South African culture (particularly Afrikaners) will leave you breathless and gasping for more. This is proof that we do not have to travel overseas to appreciate proudly South African talent. Features: Casper de Vries' audio commentary is even funnier that his show, offering a great insight into the mindscape of a comic genius. Other features include hilarious outtakes. Visit his website for more hilarious fun: www.casperdevries.com
LAAT DAAR LAG WEES ***** It's official. Casper de Vries is indeed South Africa's comedy genius. This last performance of Laat Daar Lag Wees was recorded in Pretoria and will have you watching it more than once. For more information on Casper de Vries' other DVD and Video releases, as well as his live performances, visit the website: www.casperdevries.com


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